CN102752832B - The device of automatic network system of selection and use guiding PLMN - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose by the method and apparatus using the subscriber equipment of " guiding " PLMN automatically to select cordless communication network.The list of home network identification, prioritized roaming network mark and steered network identifications are stored in the memory (such as, SIM or USIM) of subscriber equipment.In automatic network selection course, perform scan operation and receive the one or more network identities corresponding with the one or more available wireless communication networks in overlay area.Subscriber equipment is attempted being compared by the network identity received that future, self-scanning operated and steered network identifications, selects the cordless communication network in overlay area.If identify received network identity and mating between steered network identifications, then select the cordless communication network corresponding with the network identity received of described coupling steered network identifications, and register to described cordless communication network.This process is performed as using the alternative of list of the prioritized roaming network of subscriber equipment mark.By arranging steered network identifications via aerial programming process when necessary (such as, based on each region), home network operator can by subscriber equipment immediately and effectively " guiding " to the network desired by any.

Description

The device of automatic network system of selection and use guiding PLMN

The application is the divisional application being entitled as the application for a patent for invention No.200710008095.1 of " device of automatic network system of selection and use guiding PLMN " submitted to Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on February 9th, 2007.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of automatic network selection technique, operate in the mobile communication network for mobile radio station.

Background technology

For a variety of reasons, home network operator (such as, the HPLMN in home public land mobile network or 3GPP term) may need subscriber home country or overseas in roaming time, dynamically control subscriber and with which network be connected.Such as, HPLMN operator may need to indicate its subscriber roamed in national A to be served by network X.These needs can occur due to business reason, and at special time, valuably, operator guarantees that all roaming subscriber point to a particular network, guarantee to meet certain treaty conditions.Another reason is due to network fault conditions.Temporary derangement can represent, a network in given country can not provide all services to the roaming subscriber of HPLMN.Therefore, HPLMN operator may need that subscriber is pointed to can provide other network of having served in FR country.Exemplarily, today, GPRS (GPRS) is temporarily unavailable not uncommon in specific visited PLMN (VPLMN).But another reason is that load Network Based is shared.Such as, HPLMN operator can determine that he wants the roaming subscriber of 40% in country in network X, 35% in network Y and 25% in network Z.

Current 3GPP standard regulation, subscriber equipment (UE) should be selected as being stored in the highest priority network in preferred PLMN (PPLMN) list in subscriber identity module (SIM) or universal subscriber identity module (USIM).If obtain Dynamic controlling by the use of PPLMN list, then HPLMN operator must use (OTA) programming mechanism whole PPLMN list for each subscriber upgrades in the air, and this needs a large amount of Short Message Service (SMS) message.Can forbid for roaming subscriber upgrades large expense needed for all PPLMN lists.In addition, if need Network Load Sharing, then HPLMN must keep PPLMN list based on each subscriber.But, keep this PPLMN list relative to configuration management to add significant expense.

The existing solution when roaming, subscriber being indicated to particular network is included in each PPLMN list, when making connection trial by subscriber equipment to VPLMN, and the deception of the network refuse information of HPLMN operator.Network refuse information is sent, until the VPLMN (by HPLMN operator identifier) desired by arriving via each selected VPLMN.Although subscriber equipment is indicated to the specific VPLMN desired by HPLMN operator by this technology, now and easily insight, when this selection of each needs, the waste that it comprises Internet resources uses.

Therefore, required is the method and apparatus overcoming the deficiencies in the prior art.

Summary of the invention

Describing subscriber equipment uses " guiding " PLMN automatically to select the method and apparatus of cordless communication network.Home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network mark and steered network identifications are stored in the memory (such as, SIM or USIM) of subscriber equipment.In automatic network selection course, perform scan operation, to receive the one or more network identities corresponding with the one or more available wireless communication networks in overlay area.Subscriber equipment is attempted being compared by the network identity received that future, self-scanning operated and steered network identifications, to select cordless communication network in overlay area.If identify received network identity and mating between steered network identifications, then select the cordless communication network corresponding with the network identity received of coupling steered network identifications, and registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.This process replaces the use of the controlled list of prioritized network identification list of subscriber equipment or the execution of coming in this use.By (such as, based on each region) where necessary, steered network identifications is set via aerial programming process, home network operator can immediately and effectively by subscriber equipment " guiding " to any desired network.

Used by the network equipment of cordless communication network (the ownership telecommunication network of subscriber equipment) and comprise following behavior with example technique subscriber equipment being directed to steered wireless communication network: identify that subscriber equipment is by the cordless communication network of visiting of random zone, operates in a region of multiple random zone; And make the steered network identifications corresponding with the steered wireless communication network of random zone pass through visited cordless communication network to be sent to subscriber equipment, thus select steered wireless communication network in the automatic network selection course of subscriber equipment.Steered network identifications can in the message of such as Short Message Service (SMS) message and so on or aloft send in programming process.The multiple method of steered network identifications is provided to be all feasible to subscriber equipment, and in addition to sms messages, the definition of new signaling message, the use of USSD (unstructured supplementary data traffic) (see 3GPPTS22.090) and the adaptation of the such as existing signaling system of MAP (MAP) and so on can also be comprised.

In optional setting, subscriber equipment can have information (e.g., internet url or other), and this information when not needing the home communication network that must send this information, can obtain steered network identifications.This can obtain from the website provided by home communication network, database or out of Memory memory or in third-party specific environment.

Additional to other in the following description and alternative advantageous features is described.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Referring now to accompanying drawing, by example, embodiments of the invention are described, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the associated component of subscriber equipment and the structured flowchart of cordless communication network;

Fig. 2 is the more detailed diagram of the preferred, users equipment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 helps as the subscriber equipment in the wireless network of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 provides the system configuration of data communication services;

Fig. 4 is the example of the network identity be stored in the subscriber identity module (SIM) of subscriber equipment or universal subscriber identity module (USIM), wherein, SIM or USIM comprises the steered network identifications be associated with the steered network of the current region (such as, random zone) for user facility operation;

Fig. 5 describes the flow chart utilizing the user equipment method of the automatic network selection course of steered network identifications; And

Fig. 6 describes the flow chart using steered network identifications subscriber equipment to be directed to the network equipment method of steered network.

Embodiment

Describing subscriber equipment uses " guiding " PLMN automatically to select the method and apparatus of cordless communication network.Home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network mark and steered network identifications are stored in the memory (such as, SIM or USIM) of subscriber equipment.In automatic network selection course, perform scan operation, to receive the one or more network identities corresponding with the one or more available wireless communication networks in overlay area.Subscriber equipment is attempted being compared by the network identity received that future, self-scanning operated and steered network identifications, to select cordless communication network in overlay area.If identify received network identity and mating between steered network identifications, then select the cordless communication network corresponding with the network identity received of coupling steered network identifications, and registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.This process replaces the use of the controlled list of prioritized network identification list of subscriber equipment or the execution of coming in this use.By (such as, based on each region) where necessary, steered network identifications is set via aerial programming process, home network operator can immediately and effectively by subscriber equipment " guiding " to any desired network.Used by the network equipment of cordless communication network (the ownership telecommunication network of subscriber equipment) and comprise following behavior with example technique subscriber equipment being directed to steered wireless communication network: identify that subscriber equipment is by the cordless communication network of visiting of random zone, operates in a region of multiple random zone; And make the steered network identifications corresponding with the steered wireless communication network of random zone pass through visited cordless communication network to be sent to subscriber equipment, thus select steered wireless communication network in the automatic network selection course of subscriber equipment.Steered network identifications can send in the message of such as Short Message Service (SMS) message aloft in programming process and so on.

In order to the general assembly in communication is described, Fig. 1 is the structured flowchart of communication system 100, and this communication system 100 comprises carries out by cordless communication network 104 mobile radio station 102 (subscriber equipment of a type, wireless or mobile communication equipment) that communicates.Preferably, mobile radio station 102 comprises visual display unit 112, keyboard 114 and possible one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, and each and controller 106 is wherein coupled.Controller 106 is also coupled with radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 108 and antenna 110.Typically, controller 106 is presented as the CPU (CPU) of operation systems soft ware in memory assembly (not shown).Controller 106 will control the integrated operation of mobile radio station 102 usually, and typically, performs the signal processing operations be associated with communication function in RF transceiver circuit 108.Controller 106 and device display 112 interfaces, to show received information, the information stored, user's input etc.Keyboard 114 (can be the keypad of phone type or complete alphanumeric keypad) be usually provided for inputting store in mobile radio station 102 data, for transfer to network 104 information, for carry out call telephone number, for the order that performs on mobile radio station 102 and possible other or different users input.

Signal of communication, via antenna 110, is sent to network 104 and from network 104 receiving communication signal by mobile radio station 102 on wireless links.RF transceiver circuit 108 is executed in station 118 and the similar function of base station controller BSC 120, comprises such as modulating/demodulating and possible coding/decoding and encrypt/decrypt.Also estimate that RF transceiver 108 can perform the specific function except those functions performed by BSC120.Those skilled in the art will it is evident that, RF transceiver circuit 108 will be suitable for the network that specific wireless network or mobile radio station 102 are intended to operate.

Mobile radio station 102 comprises battery interface 134, for holding one or more rechargeable battery 132.Battery 132 provides electricity to the circuit in mobile radio station 102, and battery interface 134 provides machinery and electrical connection for battery 132.Battery interface 134 is coupled with regulating the adjuster 136 of electricity V+ to equipment.When mobile radio station 102 complete operation, typically, only when being sent to network, the RF transmitter of keying or unlatching RF transceiver circuit 108, otherwise close this RF transmitter to preserve resource.Similarly, typically, the RF receiver of cut out RF transceiver circuit 108 is to preserve resource termly, until need Received signal strength or information (if some words) within the specified time period.

Mobile radio station 102 uses subscriber identity module (SIM) 140 to operate, and this SIM140 is connected with mobile radio station 102 at SIM interface 142 place or inserts mobile radio station 102.Do not have SIM140, then mobile device can be called mobile device (ME); Have SIM140, then mobile device can be called subscriber equipment (UE).During SIM140, the removable memory module of one type or " smart card ", for identifying the end subscriber (subscriber) of mobile radio station 102, and individualize equipment wherein.Do not have SIM140, then mobile radio station terminal is not that complete operation is for communicating by wireless network 104.By SIM140 is inserted mobile radio station 120, end subscriber can access his/her subscribed services any and all.SIM140 generally includes processor and the memory for storing information.Because SIM140 and SIM interface 142 is coupled, so be coupled with controller 106 by communication line 144.In order to identify subscriber, SIM140 comprises some customer parameters of such as International Mobile Subscriber identity (IMSI) and so on.The advantage of SIM140 is used to be: end subscriber need not be bound by any single physical mobile radio station.SIM140 can also store additional user profile for mobile radio station, comprises notepad (or calendar) information and nearest call information.

Mobile radio station 102 can be made up of individual unit, as data communications equipment, cell phone, the multi-functional communications equipment with data and voice communication capability, support of wireless communication personal digital assistant (PDA) or combine the computer of internal modems.Alternatively, mobile radio station 102 can be the multimode unit comprising multiple stand-alone assembly, including, but not limited to the computer that is connected with radio modem or miscellaneous equipment.Particularly, such as, in the mobile radio station structured flowchart of Fig. 1, RF transceiver circuit 108 and antenna 110 can be implemented as the radio modem unit of the port that can insert on laptop computer.In this case, laptop computer will comprise display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliary UI116 and be presented as the controller 106 of computer CPU.Computer or other device of also estimating usually can not to carry out radio communication can be suitable for being connected with the RF transceiver circuit 108 of individual unit equipment (as at one of those equipment described above) and antenna 110 and effectively supposing the control of this RF transceiver circuit 108 and antenna 110.This mobile radio station 102 can have as the particular implementation described by relevant with the mobile radio station 402 of Fig. 2 afterwards.

Mobile radio station 102 transmits in cordless communication network 104 and by cordless communication network 104.Cordless communication network 104 can be cellular telecommunication network.In the embodiment in figure 1, wireless network 104 is configured according to GPRS (GPRS) and global system for mobile communications (GSM) technology.Wireless network 104 comprise there is the tower station 118 be associated base station controller 120, mobile switching centre (MSC) 122, attaching position register (HLR) 132, service universal packet wireless business business (GPRS) support node (SGSN) 126 and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 128.MSC122 and BSC120 and being coupled with landline network (e.g., PSTN (PSTN) 124).SGSN126 and BSC120 and being coupled with GGSN128, GGSN128 is coupled with public or private data network 130 (e.g., internet) then.HLR132 and MSC122, SGSN126 and GGSN128 are coupled.

Website 118 is fixing transceiver stations, and website 118 and BSC120 can be called transceiver device.Transceiver device covers for the particular coverage being commonly referred to " community " provides wireless network.Signal of communication, via website 118, is sent to mobile radio station in its community and from this mobile radio station receiving communication signal by transceiver device.Transceiver device performs following functions usually, as under the control of the controller, according to specific (normally predetermined) communication protocol and parameter, transfers to the modulation of the signal of mobile radio station and possible coding and/or encryption.If necessary, transceiver device carries out demodulation and possible decoding and deciphering to any signal of communication received from mobile radio station 102 station in its community similarly.Communication protocol and parameter can change between different networks.Such as, a network can adopt the modulation scheme different from other network, and operates with different frequencies.

The agreement be associated that the wireless link shown in communication system 100 of Fig. 1 represents one or more wireless channel (typically, different radio frequency (RF) channels) and uses between wireless network 104 with mobile radio station 102.Typically, due to the restriction in whole bandwidth sum finite battery charge of mobile radio station 102, RF channel is the limited resources that must preserve.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireless network in practical application can comprise up to a hundred communities, the whole broad regions of the desired network coverage is depended in each community of being served by website 118 (that is, or site sector).All associated components can be connected with router (not shown) by multiple switch, be controlled by multiple network controller.

For all mobile radio stations 102 of registering to Virtual network operator, permanent data (e.g., the user profiles of mobile radio station 102) and ephemeral data (e.g., the current location of mobile radio station 102) are stored in HLR132.When carrying out audio call to mobile radio station 102, HLR132 is inquired, to determine the current location of mobile radio station 102.The Visited Location Registor (VLR) of MSC122 is responsible for one group of band of position, and the data being currently located at those mobile radio stations that it is responsible in region is stored.This comprises the part of the permanent mobile station data transferring to VLR from HLR132, for accessing faster.But the VLR of MSC122 also distributes and store local data, e.g., temporary mark.Alternatively, can the VLR of enhanced MSC 122, more effectively to coordinate GPRS and non-GPRS to serve and function (such as, for can via the paging of SGSN126 executive circuit switched call more effectively, and the GPRS combined and non-GPRS location updating).

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 126 is on the stratum level identical with MSC122, and each position of tracking mobile station.SGSN126 also performs safety function and access control.Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 128 provides the interworking with external packet-switched, and connects via IP-based GPRS backbone network and SGSN (e.g., SGSN126).SGSN126 performs certification and cipher setting procedures based on the algorithm identical with existing GSM, key and standard.In traditional operation, the transceiver device of specific cell can be selected to select to perform community by mobile radio station 102 or instruction mobile radio station 102.Mobile radio station 102, when reselecting another community or cell set (being called Routing Area), notifies wireless network 104.

In order to access GPRS service, first mobile radio station 102 by performing so-called GPRS " attachment ", makes its appearance known for wireless network 104.This operation establishes the logical links between mobile radio station 102 and SGSN126, and make mobile radio station 102 can be used for receiving such as: via the SMS message on the page of SGSN126, the notice of input GPRS data or GPRS.In order to send and receive GPRS data, mobile radio station 102 helps to activate the packet data address that it wants use.This operation makes mobile radio station 102 known for GGSN128; The interworking with outer data network can be carried out afterwards.Such as, encapsulation and tunneling technique can be used, user data is transmitted pellucidly between mobile radio station 102 and outer data network.Packet is equipped with GPRS specific protocol information, and transmits between mobile radio station 102 and GGSN128.

Ground, this area technical staff will be understood that, wireless network can be connected with other system (may comprise other network clearly do not illustrated in FIG).Network will usually on an ongoing basis, transmit with the paging of certain considerably less type and system information, even if there is not actual packet data exchanged.Although network is made up of mass part, all co-operation of these parts are to cause specific behavior on wireless links.

Fig. 2 is the detailed block diagram of the preferred mobile radio station 202 of the application.Preferably, mobile radio station 202 is the two-way communication equipments with at least voice and advanced data communication ability (comprising the ability communicated with other computer system).According to the function that mobile radio station 202 provides, mobile radio station 202 can be called as data messaging device, two-way beep-pager, the cell phone with data messaging capabilities, wireless the Internet appliance or data communications equipment (have or do not have telephone capability).Mobile radio station 202 can communicate with any one in the multiple fixed transceiver stations 200 in its geographical coverage area.

Mobile radio station 202 will combine communication subsystem 211 (comprising receiver 212, transmitter 214 and associated component) usually, as the processing module of one or more (preferably, embedding or inside) antenna element 216 and 218, local oscillator (LOs) 213 and such as digital signal processor (DSP) 220 and so on.Communication subsystem 211 and the RF transceiver circuit 108 shown in Fig. 1 and antenna 110 similar.As the technical staff in the communications field will be apparent, the particular design of communication subsystem 211 is the communication networks being intended to operation according to mobile radio station 202.

Mobile radio station 202 after completing registration or activation, network can send and receiving communication signal.Will by the antenna 216 signal input receiver 212 by network reception, receiver 212 can perform the common receiver function changed as signal amplification, frequency down-converts, filtering, Channel assignment etc. and analog to digital (A/D) in the example shown in fig. 2.The communication function that the A/D conversion operation of received signal is more complicated, e.g., the demodulation code performed in DSP220.In a similar fashion, such as, by DSP220, the signal that transmit is processed (comprising modulation and coding).By the signal of these DSP process input transmitter 214, for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up-converted, filtering, amplification and transmit on a communication network via antenna 218.DSP220 is process communication signals not only, but also provides Receiver And Transmitter to control.Such as, by the automatic gaining controling algorithm performed in DSP220, the gain of the signal of communication be applied in receiver 212 and transmitter 214 can be controlled adaptively.

Subscriber or the user of access to netwoks and mobile radio station 202 are associated, and hidden good mobile radio station 202 needs subscriber identity module or " SIM " to be blocked in 262 insertion SIM interfaces 264, to operate in a network.SIM262 comprises those features described about Fig. 1.Again, do not have SIM262, then mobile device can be called as mobile device (ME); Have SIM262, then mobile device can be called as subscriber equipment (UE).Mobile radio station 202 is battery powered equipment, so it also comprises the battery interface 254 for holding one or more rechargeable battery 256.Such battery 256 provides electricity to the great majority (if not whole circuit) in mobile radio station 202, and battery interface 254 is for herein is provided machinery and electrical connection.Battery interface 254 is coupled with providing the adjuster (not shown) of electricity V+ to all circuit.

Mobile radio station 202 comprises microprocessor 238 (this is an execution mode of the controller 106 of Fig. 1), for controlling all operations of mobile radio station 202.Carry out executive communication function by communication subsystem 211, comprise at least data and voice communication.Microprocessor 238 also carries out mutual with additional device subsystems (e.g., display 222, flash memory 224, random access storage device (RAM) 226, auxiliary I/O (I/O) subsystem 238, serial ports 230, keyboard 232, loud speaker 234, microphone 236, short-range communication subsystem 240 and other subsystem any of usually specifying with 242).Some executive communication correlation functions in subsystem shown in Fig. 2, and other subsystem can provide the function on " resident " or equipment.Significantly, some subsystems (such as, keyboard 232 and display 222) can both for communication-related functions (e.g., input of text messages is to transmit on a communication network), again for device-resident functions (e.g., calculator or task list).Preferably, being stored in by the operating system software that microprocessor 238 uses in permanent memory (e.g., flash memory 234), alternatively, can be read-only memory (ROM) or similar memory element (not shown).One skilled in the art will appreciate that operating system, specific device applications and part thereof can be loaded in the volatile memory of such as RAM226 and so on temporarily.

In addition to its operating system functions, preferably, microprocessor 238 can perform the software application on mobile radio station 202.The application program of predetermined group for controlling the network selection technique of basic device operations (comprising at least data and voice communication application) and the application will be mounted on mobile station 202 usually during manufacture.The preferred application that can load on mobile radio station 202 can be personal information manager (PIM) application program, and this application program has organization and management in the ability of user-dependent data items (such as but be not limited to Email, calendar event, voice mail, appointment and task items).In fact, one or more memory can be used on mobile station 202, to promote the storage of pim data project and out of Memory.

Preferably, PIM application program has the ability of the project that to transmit and receive data via wireless network.In a preferred embodiment, by pim data project via wireless network, with stored and/or be seamlessly combined with the corresponding data project of the mobile radio station user that host computer system is associated, synchronous and upgrade, thus relative to this project, create the host computer of mirror image on mobile station 202.This is especially favourable when host computer system is mobile radio station user office computer system.Can also by additional application program by network, auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial ports 230, short-range communication subsystem 240 or any subsystem 242 that other is applicable to, load on mobile station 202, and by user installation in RAM226 or preferably, be arranged in nonvolatile memory (not shown), to be performed by microprocessor 238.This flexibility in application program is installed adds the function of mobile radio station 202, and can provide the function on the equipment of enhancing, communication-related functions or the two have concurrently.Such as, secure communication applications can make it possible to use mobile radio station 202 to perform e-business capability and other such financial transaction.

In data communication mode, received signal (e.g., text message, email message or page download) will be processed by communication subsystem 211, and by these signal input microprocessors 238.Preferably, microprocessor 238 will process the signal exporting display 222 (or alternatively, exporting auxiliary I/O equipment 228 to) to further.Such as, the user of mobile radio station 202 can also use keyboard 232, writes the data items of such as email message and so in conjunction with display 222 and possible auxiliary I/O equipment 228.Preferably, keyboard 232 makes complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or the keypad of phone type.These projects of writing by communication subsystem 211, can be transmitted on a communication network.

For voice communication, except received signal will export loud speaker 234 to, and will generate outside the signal for transmitting by microphone 236, the whole operation of mobile radio station 202 is in fact similar.Optional voice or audio frequency I/O subsystem (e.g., speech message recording subsystem) can also be realized on mobile station 202.Although preferably, realize voice or audio signal output mainly through loud speaker 234, display 222 can also be used for providing such as, the instruction of the identity of calling party, the duration of audio call or other voice call related.

Serial ports 230 in Fig. 2 realizes usually in the communication equipment of personal digital assistant (PDA) type, wherein, with user's desktop computer be synchronously expect (although optional) composition.Serial ports 230 enables user arrange priority by external equipment or software application, and by providing information or software download to mobile radio station 202 instead of by cordless communication network, expanding the ability of mobile radio station 202.Such as, optional download path may be used for by directly, thus reliable and believable connection, encryption key is loaded on mobile station 202, thus provides secure device communication.

The short-range communication subsystem of Fig. 2 is additional alternative component, and for providing communication between mobile radio station 202 and different system or equipments, this is not necessarily similar equipment.Such as, subsystem 240 can comprise infrared equipment and the circuit that is associated and assembly or Bluetooth^tMcommunication module, for providing and supporting that similar system communicates with equipment.Bluetooth^tMit is the registered trade mark of BluetoothSIG company.

Fig. 3 shows the system configuration helping to provide data communication services to mobile radio station.Particularly, Fig. 3 shows the basic module of utilizable IP-based radio data network.The mobile radio station 202 of Fig. 3 communicates with wireless packet data networks 145, and can also communicate with wireless voice network (not shown).As shown in Figure 3, gateway 140 can be coupled with inside and outside address resolution component 335 and one or more network ingress point 305.By setting up from the wireless network tunnels 235 of gateway 140 to mobile radio station 202, will the packet of such as transmission control protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP) grouping and so on from gateway 140 (this is the information source that will transfer to mobile radio station 202), transmitted by network 145.In order to create this wireless tunnel 325, unique network address is associated with mobile radio station 202.But in IP-based wireless network, typically, specific mobile radio station 202 is not for good and all distributed in the network address, but dynamically distributes according to need.Therefore, preferably, mobile radio station 202 obtains the network address and gateway 140 determines this address, to set up wireless tunnel 325.

Network ingress point 305 is often used in carrying out multiplexed and DeMux in a large amount of connections of many gateways, corporate server and such as internet and so on.Usually, because network ingress point 305 is also intended to any wireless network services centralization available for outside, so there is considerably less network ingress point 305.Network ingress point 305 uses the address resolution component 335 of some forms usually, and this assembly 335 contributes to the address assignment between gateway and mobile radio station and searches.In this example, with DHCP (DHCP), address resolution component 335 is shown, as a kind of method providing address resolution mechanism.

The central internal component of wireless packet data networks 145 is network routers 315.Usually, network router 315 is that particular network is proprietary, but alternatively, they can construct with hardware from normal business.The object of network router 315 is that usual thousands of the fixed transceiver stations 320 realized in relatively large network are concentrated the center turning to the long-range connection getting back to network ingress point 305.In some networks, multiple levels of network router 315 can be there are, and there is the situation of master-slave network router three 15, but in all such cases, function is similar.Usually, network router 315 will access name server 307, (show in this case for for the dynamic domain name server (DNS) 307 in internet), to search the destination of route data messages.As mentioned above, fixing transceiver stations 320 provides wireless link to the mobile radio station of such as mobile radio station 202 and so on.

The such as wireless network tunnels of wireless tunnel 325 and so on is open across wireless network 345, so that the memory of necessity of distributing user transmission IP grouping, route and address resource.This tunnel 325 is set up the part as so-called packet data protocol or " PDP Context " (that is, data session).In order to open wireless tunnel 325, mobile radio station 202 must use the particular technology be associated with wireless network 145.The step opening this wireless tunnel 325 can need mobile radio station 202 to come instructions field or network ingress point 305, and wherein, mobile radio station 202 is wanted to use this network ingress point 305 to open wireless tunnel 325.In this example, first tunnel arrives network router 315, and this network router 315 uses name server 307 to determine which network ingress point 305 mates with provided territory.Multiple wireless tunnel can be opened for redundancy or the different gateway on visited network and service from a mobile radio station 202.Once find domain name, then tunnel has extended to network ingress point 305, and distributes necessary resource at each Nodes along this path.Then, network ingress point 305 uses address resolution (or DHCP335) assembly to come for mobile radio station 202 distributing IP address.When by IP address assignment to mobile radio station 202, and when transferring to gateway 140, information can be forwarded to mobile radio station 202 from gateway 140.

Typically, mobile radio station is provided as end subscriber provides manual network to select and automatic network selection course.Current 3GPP standard regulation, for roaming, mobile radio station should be selected as being stored in the available highest priority network defined in preferred PLMN (PPLMN) list in SIM.Such as, the part 4.4.3.1.1 (3GPPTS23.122V7.3.0 (2005-09)) of 3GPP standard is seen.But, home network operator (such as, the public Land Mobile Network of the ownership in 3GPP term or HPLMN) may roam to home country or overseas time, still need the subscriber dynamically controlling them with which network to be connected.Such as, HPLMN operator may need to indicate the subscriber that roams in national A by network X to provide service.A reason is in fact the reason of business aspect.In roaming agreement, an operator can provide better speed to another operator, to use the return of specified vol as to roaming subscriber.Therefore, with certain order, operator guarantees their roaming subscriber to be pointed to a particular network to guarantee that satisfied use standard is useful.Another reason is due to network fault conditions.Interim fault may mean, a network in given country can not provide all services to HPLMN roaming subscriber.Therefore, HPLMN operator may need his roaming subscriber to point to can provide other network of having served in FR country.Exemplarily, today, GPRS (GPRS) is temporarily unavailable not uncommon in specific visited PLMN (VPLMN).But another reason is that load Network Based is shared.Such as, HPLMN operator can determine that he wants the roaming subscriber of 40% in country in network X, 35% in network Y and 25% in network Z.

If make for realizing Dynamic controlling by conventional PPLMN list, then HPLMN operator will use (OTA) programming mechanism whole PPLMN list for each subscriber upgrades in the air, and this needs a large amount of Short Message Service (SMS) message.Can forbid for roaming subscriber upgrades large expense needed for all PPLMN lists.In addition, if need Network Load Sharing, then HPLMN must keep PPLMN list based on each subscriber.But, keep the operating process of this PPLMN list and most of operator inconsistent, and add significant expense by relative to configuration management.The traditional solution when roaming, subscriber being indicated to particular network comprises: when subscriber equipment makes connection trial to VPLMN in the PPLMN list being up to lowest priority, by HPLMN operator honeypot refuse information.Network refuse information is sent, until the VPLMN (as identified by the hplmn operator) desired by arriving by each selected VPLMN.Although subscriber equipment is indicated to the specific VPLMN desired by HPLMN operator by this technology, now and easily insight, when this selection of each needs, the waste that it comprises Internet resources uses.

In order to address the deficiencies of the prior art, the method and apparatus of cordless communication network automatically selected by the subscriber equipment that make use of use " guiding " PLMN." guiding PLMN " be home network operator can by roam or other time be used for any subscriber equipment instruction communicated network extremely.Although make to make use of term " guiding " network or PLMN, any applicable optional term (such as, " sensing " network or PLMN) can be utilized here.

Fig. 4 is according to the network identity in the SIM262 of the mobile radio station 202 that can be stored in Fig. 2 of the application.SIM262 comprises home network identification 402 (or HPLMN), and this home network identification 402 is derived at first from the IMSI SIM262; Data file, for the User Control List (or " user's control PPLMN list ") of the roaming network identifications 404 of memory priority; Data file, for the operator-controlled lists (or " operator control PPLMN list ") of the roaming network identifications 406 of memory priority; And other data file 408.

The SIM262 of Fig. 4 also comprises data file, the steered network identifications 410 that the steered communication network for the current region stored with operate (such as, random zone) is associated.Steered network identifications 410 can be or comprise such as, mobile network code, MNC (MNC) and mobile country code (MCC) right, this mobile network code, MNC (MNC) and mobile country code (MCC) are to corresponding with steered communication network uniquely.When roaming and/or when being indicated to mobile radio station, mobile radio station replace attempt use controlled list of prioritized network mark 406 operator-controlled lists (or " operator controls PPLMN list ") or this trial use before, attempt using steered network identifications 410, to select available cordless communication network.By arranging steered network identifications via aerial programming process where necessary, home network operator can immediately and effectively by subscriber equipment " guiding " to any desired network.

Fig. 5 describes the flow chart that make use of the user equipment method of the automatic network selection course of the SIM262 of Fig. 4 as above.User equipment method can be presented as computer program, comprises computer-readable medium and is stored in the computer program instructions in computer-readable medium, and this instruction can be performed by one or more processors of subscriber equipment.As previous about Fig. 1-2 and 4 describe, subscriber equipment comprise mobile device and store the removable memory module of home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network mark list and steered network identifications.Mobile device has transceiver; The one or more processors be coupled with this transceiver; And with the removable memory module interface performing one or more processors of the method and be coupled.

With begin block 502 place of Fig. 5 for starting point, subscriber equipment keeps the storage (step 504 of Fig. 5) at least home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network mark and steered network identifications in memory.These network identities are stored in SIM, and can also copy from SIM or USIM and be stored in other memory (such as, volatile memory or RAM) of subscriber equipment.Subscriber equipment performs scan operation, with receive one or more network identities corresponding with the one or more available wireless communication networks in the overlay area of subscriber equipment (such as MNC/MCC to and so on PLMN identify) (step 506 of Fig. 5).After the scanning operation, subscriber equipment performs automatic network selection procedures (step 508 of Fig. 5) with following priority orders: (1) home network (HPLMN) (or equivalent); (2) User Control List (user's control PPLMN list) of prioritized roaming network; (3) steered network (SPLMN); And the operator-controlled lists of (4) prioritized roaming network (operation trade company control PPLMN list).The part 4.4.3.1.1 (3GPPTS23.122V7.3.0 (2005-09)) of current 3GPP standard can be revised, to reflect this new prioritization scheme of step 508.

Therefore, when subscriber equipment is roamed in random zone, subscriber equipment is attempted using steered network identifications (if available) to select cordless communication network.This is by replacing attempting using the operator-controlled lists of prioritized roaming network to select cordless communication network (or before this trial uses) to realize.When so done, the network identity (that is, one or more MNC/MCC to) received and the steered network identifications (that is, guide MNC/MCC to) of subscriber equipment in the future self-scanning operation compare.If identify received network identity and mating between steered network identifications from comparing behavior, then select the cordless communication network corresponding with the network identity received of coupling steered network identifications, and registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.

When have selected the network corresponding with steered network identifications, subscriber equipment should not attempted selecting priority to exceed this network of network from PPLMN list.

Steered network is possible unavailable or subscriber equipment is possible could not successfully attempt being connected with steered network.In this case, unsuccessfully attempting using steered network identifications to after selecting cordless communication network, subscriber equipment can be attempted using controlled list of prioritized network identification list (that is, operator-controlled lists) to select cordless communication network.This by subscriber equipment by one or more received network identity is realized with comparing from the network identity in controlled list of prioritized network identification list.If identify in one of one or more received network identity and mating from the network identity in controlled list of prioritized network identification list from comparing behavior, then subscriber equipment can select the cordless communication network corresponding with received network identity (with the network identification match of controlled list of prioritized network identification list), and is registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.

As implied above, the network in the User Control List of prioritized roaming network has the priority higher than steered network.Therefore, when designated user net control, subscriber equipment, before trial uses steered network identifications selection cordless communication network, is attempted using controlled list of prioritized network mark to select cordless communication network.This by subscriber equipment by one or more received network identity is realized with comparing from the network identity in controlled list of prioritized network identification list.If identify in one of one or more received network identity and mating from the network identity in User Control List from comparing behavior, then the cordless communication network corresponding with received network identity (with the network identification match of controlled list of prioritized network identification list) selected by subscriber equipment, and registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.

Such as, if remove data file and be applicable to steered network identifications field (such as, be set to bit of zero or) if or compatibly arrange and be stored in mark in subscriber equipment (such as, bit indicator), then can think that steered network identifications is for unavailable subscriber equipment.If instruction steered network identifications is unavailable, then subscriber equipment operates in a conventional manner by when not having steered network identifications.Subscriber equipment can no longer feasible, especially enter new random zone or country time, steered network identifications is set to unavailable.Such as, subscriber equipment can receive country code from scan operation, and wherein, this scan operation identification is different from the current national of last service network.User facility operation, with based on the country code being different from current country code, removes steered network identifications (or suitably arranging bit indicator) from memory.In this case, subscriber equipment may need new renewal steered network identifications for new region.

Again, home network operator can via aerial programming process (such as, based on each region), by subscriber equipment immediately and effectively " guiding " to any desired network.Subscriber equipment can steered network identifications (that is, SPLMN) in receipt message, and is stored in memory by steered network identifications.

Fig. 6 is for describing the flow chart using steered network identifications subscriber equipment to be directed to the network equipment method of steered network.Network equipment method can be presented as computer program, this computer program comprises computer-readable medium and is stored in the computer program instructions in computer-readable medium, and this instruction can be performed by one or more processors of subscriber equipment.The network equipment can have the database that can conduct interviews to it, the multiple different steered network identifications that this database purchase is associated from multiple different random zone respectively.Be cordless communication network for the network equipment in Fig. 6 method, this is the home communication network of subscriber equipment.

With the begin block 602 of Fig. 6 for starting point, subscriber equipment has just entered the random zone or new nation that are different from home communication network.In this case, subscriber equipment is connected with the VPLMN of visited cordless communication network or random zone, and is communicated by the VPLMN of this cordless communication network of visiting or random zone.It should be noted that this VPLMN may be limit priority, in the VPLMN list that the operator of subscriber equipment controls, specify the first available VPLMN.Then, the network equipment identification subscriber equipment of home communication network just operates (step 604 of Fig. 6) in a region of multiple random zone.Owing to may needing make before communication service completely can use for the subscriber equipment in random zone, to carry out certification with home network, so the network equipment can identify this situation by VPLMN.As to the response in applicable region identifying subscriber equipment, the applicable steered network identifications that network equipment identification or select uniquely is associated with random zone or SPLMN (step 606 of Fig. 6).This by performing based on random zone (such as, country code or MCC) querying database, thus can obtain network code (such as, SPLMN/VPLMN mark).

Next, the network equipment makes the message (with the steered wireless communication network of random zone) comprising SPLMN mark be sent by VPLMN, for programming (step 608 of Fig. 6) to the SPLMN mark in subscriber equipment.As to receiving the response of message with SPLMN mark, the SPLMN mark in the SPLMN field that subscriber equipment is applicable to (such as, SIM or USIM) is programmed.Make afterwards like this, the automatic network selection course immediately by subscriber equipment is selected SPLMN.Namely, when performing automatic network selection course by subscriber equipment, subscriber equipment by each implement the method for Fig. 5 time, replace the list attempting using controlled list of prioritized network mark or before this trial uses, attempt using SPLMN to select cordless communication network.

In the step 608 of Fig. 6, SPLMN mark can be sent to subscriber equipment by any applicable message.Preferably, SPLMN is identified at over-the-air updating download or in programming process, be sent to subscriber equipment via Short Message Service (SMS) message.Because SMS message can only comprise the MNC/MCC couple be associated with SPLMN, so it is the message of low overhead type.As option, the carrier that unstructured supplementary data traffic (USSD) can be identified as SPLMN.As another option, SPLMN mark can be contained in preexist or new MAP (MAP) message.

Other supplementary features and technology can be utilized in the method.Such as, " validity timer " can be associated with SPLMN or SPLMN field.This SPLMN validity timer can be programmed by home network operator, and can be the time that subscriber equipment will utilize SPLMN.Use this feature, subscriber equipment uses SPLMN within the validity time period, then utilizes different networks.Additionally or alternatively, " selection timer " or " select time " can be associated with SPLMN or SPLMN field.Select timer can indicate and must select SPLMN after specific expiration time; Select time can indicate must select SPLMN at special time or date.Also can be other designator, e.g., the instruction of SPLMN or the overdue instruction of background scans after the next time must be selected immediately.In addition to the splmn identification, all in these designators can be programmed by home network operator.

Be further noted that in the method described in relation to fig. 6, the region that subscriber equipment operates wherein needs not be random zone.Home network operator is in other reason (such as, due to fault condition), may need provisionally the subscriber equipment operated in his home network region to be directed to different non-attribution networks.In this case, steered network identifications has the priority higher than home network identification.The instruction (such as, bit indicates) of the separate, stored arranging by home network operator where necessary or programme can be passed through, to indicate this optional priorization in a user device.Subscriber equipment communicates by the SPLMN in attributed region, resets or reprogramming until home network operator makes SPLMN identify.

In optional setting, subscriber equipment can have information (e.g., internet url or other), and this information can obtain steered network identifications when not having the home communication network that must send this information.This SPLMN mark can obtain this SPLMN information from website, database or the out of Memory memory provided by home network (or in certain circumstances by third party).

If existing to need subscriber equipment or subscriber equipment not to be favourable reasons, then do not need subscriber equipment to be directed to SPLMN.Such as, subscriber equipment can identify that GPRS is unavailable for SPLMN, thus as an alternative, can select the network supporting GPRS.Utilize this feature, after SPLMN programmes in a user device, subscriber equipment can use subscriber equipment to ignore the instruction of the request selecting SPLMN, responds home network operator.This message can also comprise the designator of the many reasons for subscriber equipment ignored request.

Therefore, home network operator can roam to home country or overseas time, easily their subscriber of Dynamic controlling with which network is connected.Such as, home network operator when subscriber equipment enters national A, by using the SPLMN corresponding with network X to programme to subscriber equipment, can be served by network X to indicate the subscriber roamed in national A.Can do like this for each different country.At special time, operator uses SPLMN to guarantee that by all sensings particular network of their roaming subscriber be useful.In addition, temporary network fault may mean, a network in given country can not provide all services to roaming subscriber.Therefore, home network operator uses SPLMN to point to by roaming subscriber provisionally to provide other network of having served in FR country.Exemplarily, today, GPRS is temporarily unavailable not uncommon in specific visited PLMN (VPLMN); In this case, subscriber will be pointed to the VPLMN with available GPRS by home network operator provisionally.

About Network Load Sharing, home network operator can determine that he wants the roaming subscriber of 40% in country in network X, 35% in network Y and 25% in network Z.If need the Network Load Sharing using conventional art, then Virtual network operator must keep PPLMN list based on each subscriber.This PPLMN list is kept to the addition of obvious expense relative to configuration management.According to the application, the operator control PPLMN list that home network operator does not need the subscriber for him to keep different, but keep the simple data storehouse list of each network X, Y and the Z be associated with Current subscriber number, such as, meanwhile, the different SPLMN corresponding from network X, Y and Z is used to programme to different subscriber equipmenies.

Use SPLMN, home network operator must not use OTA programming mechanism (this will need a large amount of SMS message) to upgrade whole PPLMN list for each subscriber.Only need the little Overhead Message or other signaling technology that utilize use OTA programming mechanism.Other must not comprise traditional solution of the deception of network refuse information, this be due to each need this solution time, the waste containing Internet resources uses.The programming of SPLMN mark comprises immediately and effectively subscriber equipment is indicated to applicable SPLMN.

Last note.The method and apparatus of cordless communication network selected automatically by the subscriber equipment describing use " guiding " PLMN.Home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network identification list and steered network identifications are stored in the memory (such as, the removable memory module of such as SIM or USIM and so on) of subscriber equipment.In automatic network selection course, perform scan operation, to receive the one or more network identities corresponding with the one or more available wireless communication networks in the overlay area of subscriber equipment.Subscriber equipment is attempted being compared by the network identity received that future, self-scanning operated and steered network identifications, to select cordless communication network in overlay area.If identify received network identity and mating between steered network identifications, then select the cordless communication network corresponding with the network identity received of coupling steered network identifications, and registered to this cordless communication network by subscriber equipment.This process replaces the use of controlled list of prioritized network identification list or the execution of coming in this use.Above-mentioned subscriber equipment technology can be presented as computer program, comprises computer-readable medium and is stored in the computer program instructions in computer-readable medium, and this instruction can be performed by one or more processors of subscriber equipment.Subscriber equipment comprise mobile device and store the removable memory module of home network identification, controlled list of prioritized network mark list and steered network identifications.Mobile device has transceiver; The one or more processors be coupled with this transceiver; And with the removable memory module interface performing one or more processors of the method and be coupled.

By (such as, based on each region) where necessary, steered network identifications is set via aerial programming process, home network operator can immediately and effectively by subscriber equipment " guiding " to any desired network.For the network equipment by cordless communication network (this is the home communication network of subscriber equipment), example technique subscriber equipment being directed to steered wireless communication network comprises following behavior: identify that subscriber equipment is by the cordless communication network of visiting of random zone, operates in a region of multiple random zone; And make the steered network identifications corresponding with the steered wireless communication network of random zone pass through visited cordless communication network to be sent to subscriber equipment, thus select steered wireless communication network in the automatic network selection course of subscriber equipment.Steered network identifications can send in the message of such as Short Message Service (SMS) message aloft in programming process and so on.The network equipment described above can be presented as computer program, comprises computer-readable medium and is stored in the computer program instructions in computer-readable medium, and this instruction can be performed by one or more processors of subscriber equipment.

Above-described embodiment of the application is only intended to exemplarily.Those skilled in the art when not departing from application range, can make change, modifications and variations for specific embodiment.What describe in the following claims the invention is intended to covering and comprises technical all applicable changes.

Claims (10)

1. carried out a method for network selection by subscriber equipment, described subscriber equipment comprises the memory of storage networking mark, and described memory comprises the operator-controlled lists of controlled list of prioritized network mark, and described method comprises:

The first network identified with first network is connected and communicates, and described first network mark is the first available visited Public Land mobile network VPLMN on the operator-controlled lists of controlled list of prioritized network mark;

Aerial reception steered network identifications, for the described first network mark replaced on described operator-controlled lists, and does not need the operator-controlled lists receiving and replace whole controlled list of prioritized network mark; And

By the autoselect process of subscriber equipment, automatically select the second network that described steered network identifications identifies.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, described automatic network selection course attempts using described steered network identifications to select cordless communication network, to replace the operator-controlled lists using described controlled list of prioritized network to identify to select cordless communication network.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein, in the subscriber identity module that the operator-controlled lists of described controlled list of prioritized network mark is stored in subscriber equipment or universal subscriber identity module.

4. method according to claim 1, wherein, each in described controlled list of prioritized network mark, described steered network identifications and described first network mark is corresponding with public Land Mobile Network PLMN.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein, described steered network identifications receives from home network.

6. a mobile device, comprising:

Transceiver;

The memory of storage networking mark, described memory comprises the operator-controlled lists of controlled list of prioritized network mark;

One or more processor, be coupled with described transceiver, the first network being configured to identify with first network is connected and communicates, and described first network mark is the first available visited Public Land mobile network VPLMN on the operator-controlled lists of controlled list of prioritized network mark;

Described one or more processor is also configured to: receive steered network identifications in the air via described transceiver, for the described first network mark of replacement, and does not need the operator-controlled lists receiving and replace whole controlled list of prioritized network mark; And

Described one or more processor is also configured to: by the autoselect process of subscriber equipment, automatically selects the second network that described steered network identifications identifies.

7. mobile device according to claim 6, wherein, described automatic network selection course attempts using described steered network identifications to select cordless communication network, to replace the operator-controlled lists using described controlled list of prioritized network to identify to select cordless communication network.

8. mobile device according to claim 6, wherein, in the subscriber identity module that the operator-controlled lists of described controlled list of prioritized network mark is stored in subscriber equipment or universal subscriber identity module.

9. mobile device according to claim 6, wherein, each in described controlled list of prioritized network mark, described steered network identifications and described first network mark is corresponding with public Land Mobile Network PLMN.

10. mobile device according to claim 6, wherein, described steered network identifications receives from home network.